Improved construction of cylinders and pistons for pumps and steam-engines



UNITED STATES PATENT GFEICE.

VALLACE WIELLS, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

IMPROVED CONSTRUCTION 0F CYLINDERS AND PlSTONS FOR PUlVIPS AND STEAM-ENGINES.

Spc'. iticaton forming part ol" Letters Patent No. 21,789, dated October lf2, 1855.

To @ZZ whom t may concern.-

Beit known that I, WALLACE WELLS, of the city and county of New York, in the State of New York, have invented a new and Improved Mode of Constructing the Cylinders, Pistons, and Connections thereof for Steam- Engines, Fire-Engines, Pumps, Bellows, and other Machines using Cylinders and Pistons; and I hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description of the construction and operation of the same, reference being had to the annexed drawings, making a part of this specification.

Plate No. l represents the application of this invention to the steamengine.

Figure l is a lateral section ofthe cylinder, &c. rIhe cylinder is constructed in the usual forms, except that no cylinder-heads are used, and the steam-ports A A are at points distant one-third the length of cylinder from the ends. The cylinder is provided with three pistonstwo outside or end pistons, B B, and a middle piston, C. The two end pistons are connected permanently by two rods, r r, which work through the middle piston opposite its center. The middle piston, G, has a rod, s, which works through the center ofthe outside pistou at that end of the cylinder where the power is to be applied. The outside piston at the same end has two connectingrods, D D, of equal length, attached at points opposite its center, and connecting with two arms, E E, on the same side of the crank and shaft F. The rod of the middle piston at the end outside has a colmectingn'od, G, extending to and connecting with the opposite arm, H, of the crank, which arm is in the centerbetween the arms E E, but on the opposite side. The steam-chest I and valves K K are in the usual form.

rl`he movement ofthe engine thus constructed is as follows: The steam when admitted at the port on one side of the middle piston acts equally on that side and on the end piston opposite thereto, forcing them apart to the proper point where the steam is cut off, and then being admitted at the other port reverses the motion. The movement of both pistons in opposite directions is thus communicated to the shaft in one and the same direction. The entire force of the steam is eX- pended upon the movement itself, instead of being in part expended on the permanent cylinder heads now used and in overcoming friction at the journals of the shaft. The force of the steam both ways is direct and notreflected. The power being applied to both sides of the shaft equally at the same time and in the same direction obviates friction at the journals, as well as the jar and strain of the machinery now used, and gives perfect ease and regularity of motion. This mode of construction also dispenses with a great deal of the weight and strength now required in bedplates, braces, and fastenings.

Fig. 2 is a superficial section of the cylirr der, Snc.

Plate No. 2 represents the application of this invention in the construction of fire-engines, pumps, &c., Fig. l being a vertical section, and Fig. 2 a lateral section.

The cylinder is constructed without heads, and has three pistons, the two end pistons, B B, being connected together by rods o* r, work4 ing through the middle piston, C, at points opposite its center. The middle piston has a rod, s, Working through the center of the upper piston. The latter has two connectingA rods of equal length, D D, attached at points opposite its center and connecting with one arm, E, of the lever. The upper end of the rod of the middle pistou has a connectingrod, G, connecting with the other arm,H,of the lever. The cylinder has two ports, A A, admitting the water, and two opposite ports, I I, for discharging, to which are adjusted the necessary valves. J is the air-chamber, and the hoseconnection is attached at K.

The action of the pump thus constructed is double or compound in receiving and discharging the water, resulting in a great increase of the force and regularity of the discharge. An important advantage is also gained in the increased power ofthe lever, as the connecting-rods D D and G are attached much nearer the center of the shaft than is practicable in the engines now used, which require two cylinders, the centers of which are further removed.

The invention which I claim as mine, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is-

The improved mode herein described of constructing the cylinders, pistons, and their connections for steam-engines, fire-engines, pumps, and other machines using cylinders and pistons.

WALLACE WELLS.

Witnesses:

WELLINGTON WELLS, RICHARD A. MOCUEDY. 

